ITANAGAR, Apr 06: The state unit of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has alleged static
surveillance teams and flying squads of meting out discriminatory and partisan treatment
to non-Congress party heads.

Claiming that the luggage of the chief minister and his team including the APCC president
are not subjected to the surveillance team and flying squads checks thereby facilitating
illegal flow of huge amount of cash to different parts of the state, the party, in
its complaint letter to the state chief electoral officer, sought compulsory checking
of luggage of the CM and his teams.

Since the Indian Constitution guarantees the right to equality to every citizen of
the country, there should be no discrimination and all political parties should be
treated equally, the letter added.

The party alleged that heads of non-Congress political parties are being harassed
in the name of checking and they are even asked to get down from their vehicles during
checking.

AEKSU seeks Welly’s withdrawal document

ITANAGAR, Apr 06: All East Kameng Students’ Union (AEKSU) has written to the DC cum
DEO, East Kameng to furnish documents regarding withdrawal of candidature of former
Minister Atum Welly from 12 Pakke-Kessang assembly constituency.

Welly on March 27 last had filed an FIR with Seppa Police Station against his withdrawal
of candidature from contesting in the election alleging that his signature was forged
by some miscreants.

Seeking clarification of the incident and also demanding to find out the culprit
responsible, AEKSU threatened to take its own course of action if its demand is not
fulfilled within the timeframe.

Villagers reiterate poll boycott stand

ITANAGAR, Apr 06: As decided in the Bango Kebang of Nugong Bango of Pangin Assembly
constituency, the people of Sisen village have reiterated their stand that they will
not take part in the April nine simultaneous poll.

The villagers took the decision for being deprived of their basic amenities, including
road communication. They say they had been exercising atheir adult franchise since
1977 as responsible citizens with expectation of road connectivity, but their demands
remained unfulfilled.

Meanwhile, a team comprising Dr. Nani Bath, State co-ordinator, Association for Democratic
Reforms (ADR) and Patey Tayum, Chairman, Arunachal Civil Society (ACS) visited the
area in question and met the Sisen villagers.

The team held a long discussion with the villagers and told them about the importance
of participating in the electoral process to uphold the democratic traditions of
the country. The members were convinced not to disturb the routine electoral process
in the village. Various options were explored and placed them before the villagers
to express their grievances. One of such options was NOTA. NOTA, also known as ‘against
all’ or a ‘scratch’ vote, is a ballot option designed to allow the voter to indicate
disapproval of all of the candidates in a voting system.

Meanwhile, both ADR and ACS has acknowledged their demands as genuine and urged the
authority concerned to look into it on priority immediately after formation of the
new government.

Candidates, agents submit poll expenditure details

KHONSA, Apr 06: A record number of postal ballots by government officials on poll
duty were cast here yesterday.

All the electronic voting machines (EVMs) which will be used for the polls have been
effectively sealed and are kept in the strong room under tight security.

In the meantime, all the candidates and their election agents have submitted their
election expenditure details to the Election Observer Ram Mohan Tiwari today in the
DEO’s conference hall.

Yesterday, a training was held here for the receptionists whose role is vital after
the polls. All the officers and officials who had been assigned reception duty participated
in the training. During the training, the Master Trainers and Experts explained to
the participants all the facets of receiving the polling materials correctly and
in order. DIPRO

Cash seizure crosses Rs 4 cr mark

ITANAGAR, Apr 06: With Yazali police seizing Rs.1.84 crore more cash yesterday, the
total cash seizure so far by EC appointed teams in the state have totalled Rs. 4.24
crore, informed state nodal officer in a release.

It was also informed in the release that a case has been registered at Yazali police
station U/S 188/171(E)/171(F) IPC in connection with yesterday’s cash seizure. Further,
Lower Subansiri DEO has issued a notice of violation of model code of conduct to
a candidate seeking his reply within 24 hours, the release added.

Manhandling of meter reader alleged

ITANAGAR, Apr 06: The Ziro-Hapoli Mandal Bharatiya Janata Party has alleged that
one Padi Nyipa, head assistant, department of power, has manhandled SK Jha, meter
reader of the same department when the latter visited the former’s house to serve
electricity bill.

An FIR has been lodged at Hapoli police station by the assistant engineer of the
power department against Padi Nyipa. The party alleged that attacker is relative
of an INC candidate.

The party appealed to the Ziro police to be strict against such government official,
who indulges in unlawful activities, and demanded that the offender be punished under
appropriate section of the law.

Live webcast from poling stations

ITANAGAR, Apr 06: Polling will be webcast live from 57 polling stations under Itanagar
Assembly constituency.

In this connection, a training programme for the staff requisitioned as operators
was held in the office of the Capital Complex Deputy Commissioner Mige Kamki today.
The DC cum RO asked all to work sincerely since it is a new concept which needs support
from all. DIPRO

Car blown up at Dumporijo

Karda Natam

DAPORIJO, Apr 06: Amid claims of tight security arrangements in the district, a car
was blown up by miscreants at Dugi village under Dumporijo constituency of Upper
Subansiri district last night.

However, no casualty has been reported so far.

The reason and explosives used to blow up the car is yet to be ascertained, said
Police OfficerT Rebi.

Two suspects have been detained by Dumporijo police in this connection.

The owner of the car has lodged a complaint against the culprits at Duporijo PS.

Meanwhile, police have launched investigation.

NewsImpact

Arunachal set for rail debut

First passenger train to arrive in city today

ITANAGAR: Apr 06: A passenger train would roll down from Tezpur to Naharlagun through
the newly built Harmuti-Naharlagun railway line tomorrow to put land-locked Arunachal
Pradesh on railway map of India, said Chief Minister Nabam Tuki.

While fixed wing aircrafts from Itanagar airport and intensified helicopter services
to improve air connectivity, power crisis would end with the generation of additional
3,000 MW hydropower in next five years, he said ILP would be issued online and an
all-tribe cultural centre will be set up at Itanagar.

Tuki was addressing a Congress road-rally at Ganga here this afternoon.

The CM’s Universal Health Insurance Scheme targeting 10 lakh would cover all sections,
24X7 ambulance service in the Capital Complex, a Rs 5,000-crore sustainable development
project, medical and nursing colleges in Pachin village, medical tourism, single
window system to promote investors with the Centre’s support, improved banking facilities,
one lakh employment generation within five years to ensure a job in each family to
channelize youth energy for state development as mentioned in the manifesto would
be fulfilled, Tuki disclosed.

Congress would repeat history maintained since 1980 to rule Arunachal Pradesh, he
said, adding Arunachal is marching to become a developed state, which is the contribution
of Congress.

“BJP leader Narendra Modi’s warning to Arunachal CM at Itanagar amounted to insulting
the people of Arunachal Pradesh,” said Western parliamentary candidate Takam Sanjoy
and announced “to launch bhook hartal (Stir) in Delhi after May 16 till Modi tenders
public apology” to the applause of the gathering.

Opposition BJP is yet to release manifesto while Congress did it 10 days ago enlisting
its vision for the people and the nation, he said, adding “Congress fulfils its promises
unlike other opposition parties.”

Promising to remove the prevailing ills in the society for the rule of law to prevail,
Sanjoy spelt out state’s approved projects in the pipeline, particularly for the
Capital Complex, including the Harmuti-Naharlagun railway line and Itanagar airport
to put Arunachal on railway and air map of India and over Rs 2,500-crore city beautification
project and capital smashan ghat started in Jully village to be inaugurated within
two to three months. These were outcome of concerted efforts of the state government
and the MPs, he added.

He however assured to build a cremation ground for non-Arunachalees and facilitate
issue of ILP at the Banderdewa check gate to promote tourism besides completing the
capital development agenda he has initiated, Kaso said in his emotional appeal to
the masses for vote.

A Congress MLA, MP and party dominated municipality in a Congress ruled state the
people’s blessings for the all-round development of the state, said Itanagar Municipality
chief councillor Higio Aruni. The Itanagar MLA and MP would ensure speedy process
of development, Aruni said to seek wholehearted support of the voters for Congress,
which was reiterated by Itanagar ward No. 5 councillor Taba Yal Nabam assuring that
all would be given equal treatment in the capital, before she enthralled the gathering
by her melodious voice.

Use of cell phones inside polling stations banned

SRINAGAR, Apr 06: The Election Commission has banned use of mobile phones inside
polling stations in the ensuing Lok Sabha elections but has allowed use of SMSes
by polling staff for sending reports to the election authorities.

“Use of mobile phone within the polling station is prohibited. You, as Presiding
Officer or your first polling officer can use it only for sending reports through
SMS,” the Election Commission said in its handbook for presiding officers for 2014
Lok Sabha polls. The commission also gave several guidelines to the presiding officers
on videography of critical events of the election process.

“The Commission has already issued instructions for videography of critical events
of the election process and also at hypersensitive and sensitive polling stations
to the extent possible.

“In deference to the suggestion of the Supreme Court, the Commission has now instructed
that videography of the poll proceedings may be carried out inside the polling station
also in consultation with the Observer,” the EC guidelines read.

However, the Commission directed the polling officials to ensure that while carrying
out videography, the secrecy of voting process should not be violated.

“It should be ensured that a voter recording vote should not be videographed. No
photography/videography shall be allowed by the media persons or by any other unauthorized
persons inside the polling station, to maintain general order and secrecy of vote,”
the guidelines said.

It said there is no objection to any photographer taking photographs of a crowd of
electors lining up outside the polling station subject to the maintenance of peace
and order.

“He should not, however, in any circumstances be allowed to take photographs inside
the polling station of the actual process of a person casting his/her vote or the
voting compartment. At the same time, nobody will be allowed to take a photograph
of an elector recording his/her vote on the ballot unit of the voting machine in
any circumstances,” the EC added.

It has also barred entry into polling booths of anyone who is neither a voter nor
required to assist the presiding officer in conducting the election. PTI

Irregularity in distribution of postal ballot alleged

Correspondent

PASIGHAT, Apr 06: Along with rest of the state, postal voting by government officials
on poll duty has started in East Siang. But there is a great deal of dissatisfaction
among some government officials engaged in poll duty due to alleged irregularities,
like undue delay in distribution of postal ballots.

Political party sources in the district alleged that the officials have applied to
the authority for postal ballots, but the district administration has failed to distribute
the same in time. Inordinate delay in supply of the postal ballot is likely to deprive
many officials on poll duty from exercising their adult franchise.

As alleged, about 30 officials from Papum Pare district deputed to the district on
poll duty have not yet received their postal ballots. Officials in the district election
department said that they had submitted postal ballot applications to CEO’s office
in Itanagar on April 3 last, but the concerning RO/AROs are yet to issue/send the
postal ballots for reasons best known to them.

The District Election Officer, East Siang, when contacted has declined to comment
anything on issue and said the matter is concerned to the respective AROs of the
constituencies.

Mopin celebrated with gaiety

AALO, Apr 06: Mopin, the popular festival of Galo community was celebrated with pomp
and gaiety at Donyi Polo Dere on April 5.

Addressing the gathering on the occasion, Paramananda Chayengia, Chairman, Mishing
Autonomous Council and Mishing Bane Kebang said, “I am very happy to be here and
be part of the festival. For me, it is just like a homecoming as I spent most of
my childhood and college life along with my serving parents in various parts of Arunachal,”
he said.

Mishing community has an inalienable bond with the Tani clan of this state and we
can’t live in isolation to develop the age-old relationship and the need today is
to go for a deep soul searching exercise to draw a consensus on evolving a common
Tani language. He expressed his desire to share his views with the apex body of the
Galos and other community to make a beginning in this direction adding that he has
been motivated all through his life with his twin dream of getting autonomy to the
Mishing and a common Tani language.

Extending his Mopin greeting to the people on the occasion, Ogong Tamuk said that
festivity with true sense of participation has been the hallmark of celebrating this
festival from the beginning. The Abo Tani clan of the state has the religious and
cultural similarity and Mishing has the richer and more appropriate use of Tani language,
he said citing certain instances which he came across.

Swami Alexander from Holland, mesmerized everyone in fluent Hindi to say that indigenous
religion and culture with rich values associated with it should be treasured for
India and the world and it is important to safeguard it from conversions and erosions.

CMCC President Moji Bagra read out the Mopin mythology.

A souvenir titled Digo Yamo was also released on the occasion.

Social stalwarts of yesteryears Tabin Karlo, Yape Loya (Ngemu) and late Rebi Ado
were felicitated and remembered by the CMCC for their outstanding contributions in
socio- cultural fields. DIPRO

Campaign for simultaneous polls to end today

ITANAGAR, Apr 06: Campaigning for both Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabha elections in Arunachal
Pradesh will end tomorrow at 5 pm.

To ensure tree and fair conduct of poll, the Election Commission has deployed additional
seven observers for various constituencies in the state.

While Meer Annes Ahmed has been deployed for Longding, Namsang and Kanubari assembly
constituencies under Tirap district BK Behera has been made additional observer for
Tezu constituency under Lohit district, Yusuf Dar for Bordumsa-Diyun and Miao under
Changlang district, Ankur K Gupta for Chowkham, Namsai and Lekang under Lohit district,
HK Behera for Pasighat, Naveen Prakash for Palin, Nyapin and RM Jadav for Koloriang
assembly constituencies under Kurung Kumey district, informed the deputy chief electoral
officer in a release.

Meanwhile, movement of polling officials for various polling stations across the
state have already started.

According to an official release, polling officials, including security personnel,
sector officers, magistrates and micro-observers for 68 polling stations in Upper
Siang district, have already left Yingkiong in batch wise for Tuting, Mariyang, Geku
and Jengging.

Deployment of polling and security personnel with EVMs and other polling materials
for Papum Pare district also started today at Sidhartha Hall here with deployment
of polling officials for eight polling stations under Sagalee and one polling station
under Doimukh assembly constituencies.

At Lower Dibang Valley, the first batch of polling teams for Desali circle left for
their respective polling stations today morning.

At Tawang, two polling parties for Luguthang and Mago under Mukto Assembly segment
of Arunachal West Parliamentary constituency left for their respective polling stations
today. The two polling stations having a height of more than 13000 ft. are amongst
the highest polling stations located in the country and have witnessed snowfall and
are perpetually covered by snow. The poling parties are well equipped and have been
provided with snow boots, snow goggles along with satellite phones for communication.

The polling parties for five other polling stations, located in difficult terrain,
will move tomorrow morning.

Apart from that, the third day of Postal ballot facilitation in the district is going
on and more than 500 persons on election duty have already cast their vote.

New Seren area under Nari-Koyu suffering due to Govt. apathy

Correspondent

PASIGHAT, Apr 06: The people of Seren area under Nari-Koyu constituency have expressed
strong resentment over the apathetic attitude of the state government and urged their
party nominee to assure a time-bound action for solving the burning problems of the
area.

Seren circle including New Seren and adjoining villages bordering with Assam is on
the verge of losing its existence due to large scale erosion posed by Simen river
flowing down from northern hill site. It has eroded a large portion at its left bank
during the last two decades, but the state government has not taken any anti-erosion
measure to protect the area.

Unabated diversion of water flow and erosion of the river is posing threat to the
existence of the New Seren area, where the Seren Circle Office and a Government Middle
school have been set up.

Erosion posed by the hilly river at its down (Assam part) also threatened the left
bank area with the NF railway passing across the river.

Local people say the ominous Simen river has grown ten times within the last decade,
when around ten thousand hectares of social forestry land and a long portion of the
meter-gauge rail track were eroded seven years ago. But, no protection measures has
been initiated by the state government even after observing the alarming situation.

The infrastructure set up for the Seren Circle office which is lying unused in dilapidated
condition for years is glowing examples of negligence by the state government. Several
lakhs of public money has been misused in the name of development of circle headquarters
at New Seren. The Seren circle office is presently running from Nari ADC office
forcing the villagers to go to Nari for official works.

On the other hand, environmental degradation due to indiscriminate collection of
minor minerals and other forest resources has become a serious threat to the ecosystem
of the region.

In a major haul just few days before election, Yazali police yesterday morning seized
a record amount of Rs 1, 84, 93,000 from two vehicles. The police team intercepted
the vehicles at Pitapool near Yazali at 3 am and managed to stop the vehicles at
Yazali check gate after a good chase. On thorough checking the money was found stashed
in the spare tyres of two vehicles.

This seizure is grim reminder to everyone that despite all the steps taken by election
commission still money seems to be deciding factor. People forget about corruption
and various other issues plaguing society during election time. Money becomes the
most important thing. If candidates spend crores of money to win election, how can
we expect them to work for the development of area? When election gets over they
will be busy in recovering those spent money and will not focus on developmental
activities. Therefore let’s say no to money culture and elect able leader.

As per our knowledge is concerned total dry days was not declared in Arunachal Pradesh
during election period of Legislative and Parliamentary election’2014. In another
instance, also one more truck of M/s DCD Beverage carrying 900 cases of Beer was
also detained at Tezu police station on 23.03.2014. In this regards, we would like
to inform the authority that due to heavy toll charges at Dhola Ghat and also to
avoid the Dadagiri activities at Dhola Ghat most of the vehicles of Dibang Valley
District and Lower Dibang Valley District prefer to fly through the Alubari Ghat
which is cheaper than the Dhola Ghat. Every vehicle which is coming through the Alubari
Ghat touches the Lohit District. Therefore, every vehicle which touches Lohit District
does not mean that the vehicle is destined to Lohit District. Further, the vehicle
coming through Alubari Ghat is subjected to security checking at bordering Tezu and
Roing. We never mind about security checking but we would like to know from the authority
that why the consignment is being detained/seized by the DEO, Tezu inspite of the
valid Import Permit.

After covering distance of more than 70km i.e from Roing to Tezu when we tried to
meet the District Election Officer, Tezu on 25.03.2014, he was reluctant to meet
us after seeing the visitors slip. Due to illegal seizure of beer consignment we
are not only financially loosing but also immensely mentally tortured by Lohit District
Administration without any fault in the name of Election code of Conduct. Furthermore,
due to detention of Truck, the vehicle owner is demanding daily detention charge
since 22nd March’2014.

In view of the above, we request the Chief Secretary GoAP, Chief Electoral Officer
and Commissioner, Tax & Excise, GoAP, Itanagar that considering the inefficient administration
of the present DC cum DEO, Tezu and also for misuse of Election Code of Conduct Rule,
they may direct SP Tezu to release the Beer consignment unconditionally without further
delay in the interest of District Administration to ensure free and fair election.

Yours,

Tobing Pertin

Proprietor of M/s Roing Beverage

Lower Dibang Valley District

Arunachal Pradesh

Too many unions and associations in Arunachal

Dear Editor,

I would like to place my following view through your esteemed daily. Whenever I read
your daily newspaper I find lots of news stories regarding the formation of small
and immature union/association which is an unhealthy trend. I think that if someone
throws stone towards Arunachal, it will hit the head of the president of some X,Y,Z
union. As per 2011 census we have only thirteen lakh population in our state, where
as number of union/organization is more than the state population.

Here I do agree that India is a democratic country, but it doesn’t mean that every
individual should misuse the freedom of expression and other rights given by the
constitution. Some time it may be necessary but it must be accordingly. The maximum
number of young people of our state practices such activities which they are not
suppose to do. If they keep on doing such destructive activities, then how can our
economy, society and education system develop?

I must advice our young generation rather than wasting their energy and potential
in bad practice, let’s work and implement it in a proper way because “young generation
of today will be, future of tomorrow”.

So, therefore I sincerely request all my brother and sisters of next generation to
know the value of life instead of wasting time, because “time is more precious than
the money”. So, try to go with the time and bring some difference in your life.

Yours,

Patey Apa

Media student Chandigarh

Let us give clear mandate to one political party

Dear Editor,

As the polling date is fast approaching, let us take a look at some basic issues
pertaining to it.

India has dozens of political parties. Almost every famous person has floated a party
.By now, the ills of such system has become quite visible to every conscious citizen.

Multi-party system cannot escape blame for having confused the electorate and scattered
the votes which again leads to lack of clear majority to any party. The country has
witnessed such problem in the past. In such environment, the electorate should exercise
its “Right of Franchise” with utmost care. Lack of proper majority for any party
or alliance would invite an unwanted re-election. Only a stable government at the
centre can do justice to the expectations of the people. There are instances of candidates
contesting just for name sake without any clear-cut purpose. It is hoped, the voters
are vigilant enough to discern the facts.

This time, let a clear mandate be given to any suitable party for formation of a
stable and vibrant government of India.

Yours,

Jeevon Chandra

Itanagar

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